Warwick Soccer Association (WSA), Warwick’s first soccer association created to develop and improve youth soccer skills, is proud to announce that it is Warwick’s first soccer association to offer its players a premier experience. WSA has created an Elite Division which will allow players to compete at the highest level of youth soccer. WSA has been approved to enter select teams into MAPLE (Massachusetts Premier League). All Elite coaches must possess the required coaching credentials in order to enter teams. Dan Peixinho, President of WSA, believes with the closing of one of Warwick’s high schools, high school tryouts will be more competitive than ever. The players need to be ready for the next level. In the past two years, the Pilgrim and Toll Gate girls’ soccer teams have won RIIL Division II state titles, which illustrates the competitive environments these upcoming players will experience. Tom Flanders, coach of the Pilgrim High School girls’ soccer team, who holds numerous NSCAA coaching diplomas, understands this need for a higher level of soccer and has been named the WSA Director of Coaches - Elite Division. This Elite Division will be a more affordable option for parents whose children are selected to compete. Currently, Rhode Island and Massachusetts premier soccer clubs can cost a player thousands of dollars depending on a player’s age. WSA is excited to announce that it has entered U10 and U12 girls’ teams in spring 2016. WSA is looking to expand in the fall with more girls’ and boys’ teams. WSA has a partnership with NSCAA to bring future courses to Rhode Island for coaches to obtain the proper diplomas. If you are interested in learning about the WSA Elite Division, please visit warwicksoccer.org.